Blood Red Army

Congratulations Hossa!

2010-06-09T23:50:00.002-04:00

Enough Is Enough

2010-06-04T19:52:00.004-04:00

Ottawa Senators fans need to start honoring their star players. This crap with Spezza is absolutely discraceful. Join the club and make your voice heard!

RESPECT!

2010-04-10T07:39:00.006-04:00

All hail the King.

So What Now?

2010-03-21T14:57:00.013-04:00

Grim times in Sens Land. Grim.

I'm trying to stay positive. I do believe that IF they can turn it around in time, this is the absolute best time for this skid to happen. Facing some major adversity right before the playoffs is a really good thing, so long as you can bounce back and learn from it. Look no further than the last losing streak we went through to see what can follow.

That being said, it's cutting it really close. It's do or die time. If this doesn't turn around very soon, we're looking at the real possibility that there will be no playoffs in Ottawa for the second year in a row. Atlanta is just six points back right now and surging. Montreal has caught up. Boston is 3 points back. Luckily for the Senators, the Rangers just plain suck.

There were some signs of life in Dallas yesterday afternoon. Despite a dispicable defensive game, the offense was really beginning to click. The D were pinching and the team as a whole was very effective in the offensive zone. Not to mention the power play, which was on fire (go figure). Jason Spezza had one of his best of the season, and Matt Cullen looked outstanding on the top line. Hopefully Cory Clouston sticks to that for now.

There were definitely positives that could be taken from yesterday's game, which is far more than could be said of the 2 previous.

As for the negatives... well there were a fair share of those as well.

Goaltending. I really don't know what to say. I have defended Pascal LeClaire to no end all season long. I kept pushing the issue that once he's healthy, he'll be a superstar and will take us all the way. And with Brian Elliott as a more than capable backup, we just can't lose!

Boy oh boy. Word of advice, Never, ever listen to me about anything. Ever.

Both guys have been just plain bad lately. Do I think all of the onus should be placed on goaltending? Absolutely not. But 5-6 goals allowed per night just won't win you games in the NHL. That's just the way it is.

I have no idea what the answer is in nets for this team. On message boards and blog comment sections across the city, folks are begging for the return of Mike Brodeur, the AHL goalie who got our last winning streak started and boasts a 3-0 record all time in the NHL. But the fact is, not only is he currently injured (although he is set to return very shortly), but he would also have to clear waivers to get here. I have a hard time believing Philadelphia wouldn't grab him. It would cost them what, $200 or so?

Not only do I have no idea what they should do for the final 10 games, but what about next season with both goalies signed into 2011? Maybe a summer's rest and s fresh season is all that's needed. But it doesn't appear as though LeClaire and Clouston quite see eye to eye. It'll be a long season indeed for Pascal if that's the case. But I guess that's a debate for another day.

Up next is Montreal. This is easily the game of the season so far for Ottawa. Could be the make or break moment of the year, boys. Win it, you're up 2 points on the Habs in the standings and on your way to recovery. Lose? Yikes.

Word has it that Zach Smith has been called up for the occasion to add a little youthful energy to the team. No idea who'll be sitting out, but what does that say about Shean Donovan? The guy is pure energy and continues to sit in the press box! Is there more to this story set to unfold? Will a bigger name be taking a seat tomorrow night?

Whatever happens, and no matter what blurts out of my mouth during and/or directly after the game tomorrow night, I stand by the Sens. I'm not sure I can say the same for the rest of the city though...

Very Sad Day...

2010-02-06T13:21:00.004-05:00

I realize that there are tragic deaths every single day around the world; some close to home, some not-so-close. Some make headlines, some don't. But for whatever reason, last night's news of Brendan Burke's death really hit me hard.

It's people like Brendan who change the world for the better, and I really admire him for his courage and perseverance. He was an intelligent, well spoken and extremely well respected man, and he was in a very unique position to inspire change and acceptance in the all-too macho world of sports.

It's an incredibly sad day for the Burke family, and a major loss for those who fight to see their loved ones treated with equality and respect, regardless of how they live their lives.

Antoine Vermette

2010-01-01T22:10:00.020-05:00

The second post in this series of 'all-time all-stars' may be a bit of a stretch for some Sens fans... his last year here wasn't exactly one to be remembered. But regardless, Antoine Vermette will always have a place in my heart. Not only was he was a penalty killing machine and a short-handed sniper, but every so often, when you least expected it, he showed signs of sheer offensive brilliance. His problem was that he could never produce on a consistent basis, and as they so often do here in Ottawa, the fans grew impatient with the young center.

Vermette was selected by Ottawa in the second round of the 2000 entry draft (55th overall). Early-on in his carreer, between Binghamton and Ottawa (he spent his would-be sophomore season playing in Binghamton during the lockout, finishing second in scoring behind only Jason Spezza), he showed a ton of promise with his incredible skill and speed. He became a staple at the Sentaors Skills Competitions, year in and year out.

But as he grew out of his rookie years, his lack of consistency began to be an issue. As is customary around the league, Vermette's potential combined with his inability to ever quite 'break through' made him a constant target for trade rumors. And finally, after a dreadful start to the 2008-2009 season and weeks of neverending speculation, the Senators pulled the trigger at the trade deadline, sending Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Pascal LeClaire and a second round draft pick.

It was a day of mixed emotions. I loved Vermette, and as much as he could be frustrating at times, he definitely had some spectacular moments. It always felt as though he was just about to explode offensively. And even when he was struggling, he gave his all every night. By all accounts he was a popular guy in the dressing room as well (reminds me of a certain current ex-Shark on the team...). But all that being said, I was (and am) also an enormous fan of Pascal LeClaire.

Bryan Murray traded a struggling center who could never quite live up to his potential for a bona fide #1 goalie, and somehow managed to get a draft pick thrown in as well. I was terribly sad to see Vermette go, and I will always root for the kid. He deserves the respect of Ottawa fans... he loved it here and gave this city everything he had. When the news broke that he had been traded, he was clearly devastated while speaking to reporters. But I think the change did him a lot of good (he's enormously popular in Columbus), and it brought Ottawa one of the missing pieces to being a legitimate contender again. It was an opportunity for the Senators that they simply could not pass up. With the struggles Steve Mason has had all year, you've gotta wonder if Columbus regrets trading away their star goalie.

Here's one last look at a really good young player, who showed flashes of greatness (You may want to turn off the sound... yikes!).

Marián Hossa

2009-12-22T18:45:00.019-05:00

Why not start off with a bang, eh? Marian Hossa is, quite simply, my favorite hockey player, ever. That's not to say that Gretzky isn't The Great One, and Lemieux isn't right up there with him. It's not to say that Daniel Alfredsson shouldn't be knighted and given the key to the city of Ottawa. But Hossa is just one of those players... from the first second I saw him play, I admired him completely.

What I remember most of his rookie season was that he was a late comer, having missed several months due to a major knee injury suffered in junior the year before. He sort of came out of nowhere.

He was a highly touted prospect, picked 12th overall in the 1997 entry draft. But all we really knew about him was that his knee injury was a major issue and some were worried that as a result, he may never be the player the Senators hoped he'd be. Keep in mind, this was long before the blogosphere and rumor sites were around to keep us all up to the minute on such things.

So all of a sudden, there was this young rookie on the ice, #18, who immediately caught the attention of fans with his speed, his skill, and most importantly, his strength! I can still picture that trademark 'strong-arm' he would do (and still does...) as he forced his way through opponents. Hossa is a player with a ton of skill, no question, but he plays like a grinder. There's none of that 'soft-hands' softness you see with most skilled players. He just bulldozes his way around the net and he back-checks like a coach's dream.

In the summer of 2005, after years of dedicated service with The Ottawa Senators, Hossa was without a contract and push finally came to shove. But with just minutes to go, then GM John Muckler went against his word and signed the winger to a 3 year, $18M contract -- the highest salary in team history. And right before that giant sigh of relief could make it's way out of my lungs.... Disaster.

I was devastated. Totally devastated. I knew who Dany Heatley was, and I knew what he would bring to the table. I'm not going to say something ridiculous like "I knew he was a deadbeat"... none of us did. We were excited at the promise of this young talent, and Heater most certainly delivered on that promise.

Heatley brought with him a new, high octane offense that would contribute heavily to the Senators post-lockout success, and trip to the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals. And he came at a much lower price tag as well. But for all the glory the Sens had in those years following the deal that sent Marian Hossa packing, no player could ever compensate for the loss of HOSS.

The Senators underwent some alarming changes under Muckler, and the Hossa trade was a pinnacle moment. Players that had been drafted and cultivated through the Senators system were being traded away, and draft picks and prospects were flying out the window in exchange for aging rental players who would help 'put us over the top'. Of course, none of them ever did, and in the end, the cupboards were left bare and the culture on the team hit rock bottom, and ultimately, Dany Heatley left, too. In that sense, we lost Hossa for nothing.

Hossa is about as complete a player as they come. He plays with energy, with skill and with heart, and he gives'er 100% every time he steps on the ice. Every time he has an expiring contract on the horizon, I get gitty with excitement at the thought of his return to the Senators. But I know it's a pipe dream. After all, it's not like he was treated very fairly in his final days here.

For what it's worth, the Chicago Blackhawks are in deep, deep cap trouble heading into next season. Perhaps?

My favorite all time Hossa moment... If anyone has an english version, please let me know!

Senators All Time All Stars

2009-12-21T18:40:00.006-05:00

Alright, so here's the deal. I've been doing a lot of thinking. This blog has been out of action for various reasons almost all season long. Family pet emergency, travels abraod... but even when I have had free time, I just haven't felt much like writing anything.

I'm not a rumor guy, I don't have close ties to the team or NHL insiders, and everything that can be written about the team from a 'journalistic' point of view is already taken care of by bloggers who are much, much better at it than myself.

This morning I was thinking of the best way to close up shop here. Should I just stop? Should I say some final words? Does anyone honestly care what I do? And then it hit me... there is still something I could do with this site that is unique and hopefully interesting to one or two people out there like myself, who are just looking for something to do between games.

So here it is... I'm going to profile some of my all time favrite SENS, both past and present -- there are a few -- and give a run down of some of their accomplishments and virtues as an Ottawa Sentator.

Drum roll......

Blood Red Who?!

2009-12-08T06:49:00.006-05:00

Back in action after a jaunt overseas. A lot happened in the five weeks I was away. A rise to the to the top of the division, a rash of injuries, the loss of our starting goaltender, and most recently, a road trip reminiscent of Craig Hartsburg's final days. But that's not what I want to discuss. It's all been covered.

As posted on SensChirp recently, this is a rumored 3rd jersey for 2010. Surprisingly, it seems like the majority of poster on that site are completely against the design. I for one think it's one of the nicest I've seen. Ever.

Thoughts?

MIA

2009-11-01T12:00:00.003-05:00

Been missing in action for a couple of weeks due to a family emergency. A very sick pet to be specific. But he's almost out of the woods and all is looking bright. Anyway, apologies to the 4 of you who read this from time to time.

As I always say at this time of year, it's a good time to struggle. Lots of time left to iron things out and spot and reduce deficiencies in the team and the system. Better now than in March or April.

As for yesterday's game, what can be said? Atlanta goaltender Ondrej Pavelec was brilliant. But it's not the first time he's done this to the Sens. On December 16th, 2008 he completely stole the game for Atlanta in a 4-1 victory at Scotiabank Place. It was a ridiculous performance by a completely unknown goalie. He was 1:18 away from his first NHL shutout (obviously... no one had ever even heard of the guy!) before Chris Kelly spoiled his night. But I do believe this guy's for real. Kari Lehtonen should be sweating a bit.

There's obviously still work to be done. With injuries to key contributors like Jason Spezza and Anton Volchenkov, some of the holes on this team are being exposed. But like I said, much better now than in April.

Now let's fix those holes and start winning some games again! Who's with me?

Trounced!

2009-10-15T22:12:00.004-04:00

What else is there to say, really? The Ottawa Senators simply dismantled The Tampa Bay Lightning tonight in every single department of the game, and Milan Michalek was a one-man wrecking crew, scoring his first ever NHL hat-trick.

All four lines for the Sens scored tonight, with goals from Michalek, Nick Foligno, Alexei Kovalev and Jarkko Ruutu (who had three points on the night!) as well as one from Alexandre Picard. And despite only registering a single point, Jason Spezza was a force all night long. He was hitting, creating chances and fighting for pucks. There are still great things to come from #19, it's only a matter of time.

In the midst of the offensive flurry, Daniel Alfredsson quietly racked up 3 points as well. All in all a great effort from everybody, with the results to back it up.

For those toying with the idea that rookie defenseman Erik Karlsson should be sent down to Binghamton, or even worse, back to Sweden (which throws all logic out the window), how about Tampa's prized rookie Viktor Hedman? He had a rough go tonight and was directly responsible for two of the Sens goals. However, much like Karlsson, he is here to learn from those mistakes and will be a better player for them down the road. Sending either of these guys back to Sweden would only slow them down. They both need to adjust to the smaller ice surface, which enables them less time to make key decisions. Given the time to get used to the speed in the NHL, we will be looking at two top end defensemen in a few years, if not less.

And speaking of rookie defensemen, Matt Carkner had another outstanding game. Not only was he a +/- plus 2 on the night (plus 6 on the season!!), but he finally, once and for all took that little weasel Steve Downie to town! I'm not sure Downie even got one punch in. It's so refreshing to see bodies flying out from the blue paint in front of Pascal LeClaire after just about every whistle. This team has been missing that defensive presense for... well, forever!

Michalek's hat-trick is a small slice of redemption for Sens fans, especially after Dany Heatley's explosive start out of the gate. But what's even more exciting is that the newest buzz word in Ottawa is finally starting to show signs of life -- depth. When was the last time the Sens blew out their opponents and treated fans at Scotiabank Place to a good old slice of 'za? When was the last time it happened without Heatley in the lineup? But even more importantly, who can remember the last time all four lines scored for the Sens in a single game?

On a night where he was barely rewarded for a full 60 minutes of hard work, Jason Spezza was all smiles skating off the ice. We're looking at the dawn of a new era in Ottawa. No more Pizza line. No more top 3. Instead, we've got a coach and a team on a mission, with many, many tools at their disposal.

Line Dancing

2009-10-12T14:38:00.004-04:00

Alright, enough with all the whining and complaining about the local sports media – Although did anyone catch Glenn Kulka's meltdown this morning?? Not only did he threaten to track down his city counselor while at the mall having her coffee so he can “make” her see his point of view on the Landsdowne Live debate, but he followed it up with a vicious “god damn” a few seconds later. Amazing. Anyway, I’ve said all I have to say on the matter, and no one’s listening anyway, so let’s get back to what we’re all here for in the first place: The Ottawa Senators.

Off to a great start so far. They’ve won some hard fought games and they appear to be a team with a strong work ethic that will play a solid 60 minutes each game. They may not win them all, but they will go down fighting every night, which is great to see here.

Without trying to stir the pot too much, there are still a few questions looming on both the defense and offence. The top lines have been hit and miss, and sooner than later impatience will kick in around town. Also, Filip Kuba, Ryan Shannon, Jesse Winchester and now Peter Regin are all hurt. So the obvious question is, hypothetically speaking, once everyone’s healthy, who plays where and who sits out?

On defense, there’s no real indication of when Kuba will return, but he’s been listed as day to day so it doesn’t seem to be that far off. Once he’s back, the obvious man out would have been Alexandre Picard a week ago; however he’s had a pretty decent showing lately with three points in his last two games and has rarely looked out of place defensively. Erik Karlsson on the other hand, has struggled a fair bit since opening night in the Big Apple, and hasn’t quite adjusted yet to the fast pace of the NHL. But he’s a 19 year-old defenseman, and that’s what 19 year-olds do in this league. They make mistakes, and become better players for them. There is absolutely no doubt that he will one day be an all-star calibre defenseman, but is he ready?

Another player who isn’t quite living up to expectations is Karlsson’s defensive partner Chris Campoli. He’s not a rookie anymore and can’t get away with being invisible out there for entire games. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either of these two sitting out upon Kuba’s return. I don’t see management sending Karlsson down to Binghamton, but crazier things have happened. Afterall, sitting in the press box will be of zero value to his development.

In the forward department, it’s not quite as pressing as none of the three injured forwards are essential, top line players. That’s not to take away from any of them at all… Regin is top three in points on the team, but there are enough role players to go around for now. That being said, let’s have a look at what this team could do with everyone healthy.

I’ve been going over the lines in my head since the day Dany Heatley was traded. I don’t envy Cory Clouston, because quite frankly, not one of the 14 forwards deserves to sit out on any given night. But those decisions are part of the job, for both the coaching staff and players. I suppose life could be worse, right? Anyway, here’s one set of lines I’ve come up with and have been mulling over for some time. But this is one of many, many possibilities with so much depth at forward.

Michalek – Spezza – Alfredsson

Cheechoo – Regin – Kovalev

Foligno – Fisher – Shannon

Ruutu – Kelly – Neil

Donovan

Winchester

Now before anyone jumps all over me, here are my reasons for each line:

First, the top line of Spezza, Alfie and Michalek was starting to show some signs of life, and I think there’s some real magic to be found there. I was at the game against the Islanders on Thursday, and despite some things I read the following morning, I thought they were a real threat on the ice. Michalek is unbelievably fast and dynamic, and I have no doubt that once he clicks, those three can compete with any top line in the league.

That brings us to Regin, Kovalev and Cheechoo. When we first got Jonathan Cheechoo in early September, I really hoped we’d see him on the top line, straight up replacing Heatley. This guy has scored a lot of goals in the past, and in my mind there’s no reason he can’t do it again. We’ve all seen players fizzle out on a given team for whatever reason, only to regain their form given a fresh start. Just look at Heatley himself… he’s done it twice. But Cheechoo hasn’t really been given the chance yet. To Clouston’s credit, maybe throwing him on the top line right out of the gate would be putting too many expectations on the fragile winger and it would ultimately backfire. A jump to the second line with Regin and Kovalev, however, might really work out. It’s not as high profile and it lines him up with two guys who can set up plays and really give #41 a chance to succeed.

The line of Fisher, Shannon and Foligno pretty much goes without explanation. They were a huge force last year once Clouston took over and there’s no reason they can’t continue that way. If you have a problem with Fisher being your third line centre at a cap hit of $4.2M, then call it line 2B. To me, it doesn’t matter who plays where as long as the team is winning. There is also the possibility here of putting Shannon at centre and having Fisher being on the right wing, which worked out nicely throughout the preseason.

Finally, the fourth line of Kelly, Neil and Ruutu. I’ve struggled long and hard in deciding who I think should be on the fourth line these days. Up until very recently, I was sure that Kelly would be on his way out any day now, and deservedly so… or so I thought. But over the course of the last few games he has really begun to step up his game, and more importantly, he is one of our best penalty killers. In giving up Antoine Vermette for Pascal LeClaire last Spring, we may very well have secured Kelly’s spot on this roster for years to come. You can’t underestimate what this guy brings, no matter how little it shows on the score sheet.

Neil has been outstanding lately, and if it weren’t for the no-brainer of keeping line 2B together, he’d certainly be entitled to a spot on the third line. As for Ruutu, well, he’s a unique player who offers you absolutely nothing from the press box. Unless you want to trade him, there is zero point in not playing him.

The biggest disappointment in all of this to me is having Shean Donovan as a healthy scratch. He is one of my absolute favorite Senators, and in an ideal world he’d be getting top minutes. But that’s just not how the world works, is it? Luckily for him and for us, there’s about a 1 in 100 chance that all of the forwards will be healthy at any point during the season (especially at this rate...), so hopefully we’ll see ol’ Shean Don in each of the next 78 games and beyond.

A lot can also be said for Jesse Winchester, who really began to come into his own as a gritty, in-your-face 4^th liner at the end of last year. I have no doubt that he’ll be back in the lineup before too long and will give the management even more headaches trying to sort it all out.

Although this kind of depth causes frustration for both players and fans alike, seeing guys sit who should be playing, it is also what wins games down the stretch and into the playoffs. No matter how hard it is to watch perfectly capable guys like Shean Don sit out on any given night, come April it’ll be a giant blessing to have those guys ready to go.

Death Rattle of the Battle Of Ontario

2009-10-06T19:41:00.008-04:00

First thing's first - Hey Pierre McGuire... we get it. It's The Monster's first game. Enough.

Not exactly a barn burner tonight, but a pretty sound defensive game for the Sens and a much needed victory to silence some restless fans and critics.

Shean Donovan made his season debut tonight, and proved once again why he deserves a permanent spot on this roster. It didn't take long, either. You want grit? You want dirty goals? You want intensity and effort? Net crashing? Shean Don's got it goin' on. It blows my mind that this guy sits some nights in the press box.

Daniel Alfredsson finally put a sock in McQuire's mouth by beating Jonas Gustavsson on a penalty shot less than a minute after Donovan's goal. And it was a beauty.

Speaking of goalies, Pascal LeClaire was absolutely solid tonight, most notably in the dying seconds of the game when he robbed Tomas Kaberle on a point blank shot. Not since Dominic Hasek have I felt so confident in an Ottawa goaltender. You can't tell me it's not rubbing off on the bench.

Anton Volchenkov seems to be regaining his form as well. Just ask Viktor Stalberg. Although he may need a few moments to respond.

All in all, not an overly exciting game. A lot of hype, but not much delivery. I'm not sure the Battle of Ontario will ever quite be what it was a few years ago. But it's a win, and one from which a lot of positives can be taken.

Case In Point

2009-10-03T08:21:00.004-04:00

"As much as I hate agreeing with anybody or sounding optimistic (...)"
-Don Brennan in Saturday's Ottawa Sun

Past Heartaches

2009-09-29T19:03:00.011-04:00

I came across this letter to the editor that I wrote to the Ottawa Citizen the day after an absolute trouncing of the Ottawa Senators at home by the Montreal Canadiens.

It was April 1st, 2008. The Sens desperately needed a win to secure a spot in the playoffs and avoid complete embarrassment after opening the season with an NHL record 15-2 record, and then falling to within a point of missing the playoffs. This was published the next day, April 3rd. That night the Sens went out and obliterated the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 8-2.

I always like to day-dream that someone read this aloud in the dressing room that day, giving the boys the big jolt of inspiration they needed. Regardless, that inspiration was short-lived as the Seantors went on to be swept in the first round by the younger, hungrier and more skilled Pittsburgh Penguins.

It's a pretty emotional letter, especailly out of context, but I think anyone who was there that night would understand. It was more than a loss. It was just utterly humiliating.

Here's to a new season, full of hope!

Tuesday night I sat in the stands at Scotiabank Place, proudly wearing my Ottawa Senators jersey. I was positive that this game would be our turning point and refused to give up. Period after period, goal after goal, I remained hopeful. I bit my tongue as Habs fans sang and bragged and taunted the rest of us (of which there were few) to our faces.

Midway through the third period, minutes after winning a 100$ gift certificate for being named "best fan" on the jumbo-tron, the young boy sitting in front of me packed up and left. I looked around and saw hundreds and hundreds of fans leaving. I stayed. I endured the chanting and humiliation. I quietly ran through scenarios in my head of beating Montreal in the 1st round, the way Toronto did to us so many times after our ripping through them in the final games of the regular season.

I stayed until the very end. I honestly believed, with only minutes left, that the Sens could miraculously come back. When the final buzzer sounded, I swallowed the enormous lump in my throat, and boarded the bus home. I looked around at the very somber group of people on the bus (the Habs fans were still at the arena celebrating). They had just blown their money on tickets to this all-important game and received nothing for it, and like me, had stuck around to see it through.

But oddly, these people weren’t angry. They were completely devastated over the state of this team.

We are the ones who have followed this team passionately for many years. We've watched some of them grow up before our very eyes. When guys get hurt, we feel it. When another player hits them unfairly, we rise from our seats in anger like over-protective parents. We hold them all in such high regard.

Despite everything that’s gone wrong, we still see in them what everyone saw last year. They have everything it takes to beat any team in this league. They just need to believe it, the way that we bus-riding loyalists believe it. Whatever is driving them apart, whoever isn't getting along in that dressing room, now is the time to put it aside.

We stayed until the bitter, bitter end that night, and never gave up. Now it's their turn to do the same.

Part II

2009-09-24T17:37:00.006-04:00

To continue down the path of my last post, I feel like there's a strange phenomenon occurring more and more in Ottawa.

It's as though the writers and radio hosts are unwilling to praise the team. They go out of their way to say that they're not going to be good, and to cut down players, even when performing up to or beyond expectation. It's like everyone wants to be the guy who can say "(insert nasally, whiny voice here) I've been saying all along that there were holes on defence, that Cheechoo would never regain his form, that Karlsson wasn't ready, blablabla" so they can pat themselves on the back if things don't work out.

Well big whoop. Congratulations boys... you sure told me.

The problem is that this all results in a totally crappy, poisonous hockey culture. Fans start hating the team before they even step foot on the ice because they're constantly being told how bad everything is.

Not me.

I think Cheechoo will be awesome. I think Clouston is the man, and Murray is a wizard. I think we can win the cup this year. Period. Because it's fun and exciting to cheer for my team. That's why I follow hockey. It sucks to just hate every player and decision-maker and complain all the time.

At the end of the day, if Cheechoo only scores 3 goals and someone wants to tell me "I told you so", feel free. I hope it feels good.

But I bet it'll feel a million times better to watch him get back on track while rooting for him the whole way. I guess that's the risk I take, right?

Time For A Change

2009-09-22T17:16:00.005-04:00

Honestly, what is it with the sports media in Ottawa? We are exactly nine days into training camp and I am already sick to death of the negativity being spewed towards the Ottawa Senator players.

Last night during the Team 1200’s pre-game show, Ottawa Sun journalist Bruce Garrioch and ex-NHL'er Mike Eastwood completely ripped Jonathan Cheechoo apart. This is a player who landed in Ottawa one week ago, and has yet to play a single meaningful game here. We all know he’s coming off a very disappointing season and has been on a downward slide since the 2005/06 season, but does that really give people the green light to drag his name through the mud? According to these guys, he’s been just awful and is totally out of shape. The fact that we were told he spent all summer working out and getting ready for the season was supposedly a total lie. And apparently he misses every single shot on net during practice, too.

Why?! What is the point in that? Give the guy a chance to get into the swing of things. At the very least, don’t write him off before the season even starts! His confidence is no doubt a bit fragile, and making him the new whipping boy to replace the now glowing Jason Spezza isn’t going to help him or the team. These guys must have been just drooling at the thought of Cheechoo playing here. Why do they get off on dismantling players here?

Next up were the jolly three yahoos on TGOR this morning discussing (quite matter-of-factly) where Chris Neil will be dealt to before the season starts, because apparently Murray is totally unhappy with him and he has done absolutely nothing this pre-season.

Am I the only person in Ottawa who understands that Chris Neil isn’t here to score goals? Seriously? He was rewarded with a big contract because he takes care of problems on the ice, and does it very well. He also has the ability to play hockey and isn’t a risk out there. He is a very valuable piece to the puzzle, and he isn’t going anywhere.

Instead of lamenting on the fact that he isn’t scoring, why not praise him for finally making Steve Downie feel a bit of heat for his 2007 supermanning of Dean McAmmond? No matter how ol’ Deaner feels about being traded away last season and likely being forced into retirement as we speak, you can bet he felt some serious redemption upon hearing that the players here have not forgotten what happened. That’s the kind of player Neil is, and he is worth every penny.

I think it’s about time for a wholesale changing of the guard here in Ottawa. More guys like Ian Mendes, Gary Gally, Steve Lloyd and Jason York. Less of the whiney, know-it-all Garrioch, Kulkamania and whatever the hell TGOR is supposed to be (seriously... is it just me or is that show just three creepy, over the hill dudes and about 3 regular emailers that flirt with them and stroke their egos all morning? Am I right?).

I’m not looking for cheerleaders by any stretch, just guys with a positive outlook on the Ottawa Senators who make you want to take an interest in the team and their players, not shoo them out of town like dirty rats.

Enough already.

No more...

2009-09-14T21:44:00.009-04:00

There was a giant, collective sigh of relief Saturday afternoon in Ottawa. After what seemed like an endless summer of complete turmoil and disarray, Dany Heatley was traded to the San José Sharks along with a 5^th round draft pick for forwards Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek and a 2^nd round pick in the 2010 entry draft.

Like any trade that involves a particularly big name player, only time will tell who wins out on this deal. Many feel that it is tilted in San José’s favor, having landed unquestionably the best player of the three. But it really does take a few years to fully see how a blockbuster trade like this can affect a team, whether positively or negatively. When the Boston Bruins traded away Joe Thornton, one of the best centremen in the league a few years back, they were the laughing stock of the NHL. Look at them now.

In Ottawa, fans seem to be split three ways. There are those who are happy to see Heatley gone no matter the return… Good riddance to bad rubbish as they say. Ottawa’s had enough drama and locker room turbulence for the last few years, and his staying would have only made things worse.

Then there are those who feel Ottawa got completely fleeced and want GM Bryan Murray ousted. They expected nothing less than an elite player of equal value coming our way (or more). These tend to be the same folks that are adamant that Heatley would have had a career year with the Olympics coming up as well as his desire to be moved being out there for other GMs to chew on all season. Why trade him at all?

Finally, there are those like myself, who believe this to be a genuinely good deal. Michalek is a young guy with a ton of potential. He is as fast as they come and at 6’2, 226lbs, he is a beast. A beast with some soft hands, at that. On top of that, he is signed for the next 5 years at a very reasonable cap hit of $4.33M.

Cheechoo, as most hockey fans know, was untouchable a few years back when he scored 56 goals in the year after the lockout. However, his career has since been derailed by injuries, and a seeming inability to rediscover his confidence. Last year he had only 12 goals. This is a guy who desperately needs a second chance, and maybe he’ll get it here in Ottawa. He’s not afraid to crash the net and he plays with a ton of heart, two qualities a certain ex-Senator doesn't really share.

Not since the likes of Martin Havlat has this team had anything remotely close to quality secondary scoring. There have been flashes -- Fisher was fantastic in the cup run, Vermette had his moments, etc. -- but what we have now is an abundance of players that genuinely belong on scoring lines. Players will have to fight for spots, and that is never a bad thing.

To be honest, I think that San José are a weaker team now than they were going into the summer. In the last 2 weeks they’ve given up 2 good quality defensemen and 2 top 6 forwards. All they’ve gotten in return is 2 prospects who will likely never play in the NHL and Dany Heatley. To me, that’s taking a bigger risk than unloading an unhappy (albeit elite) sniper while beefing up your depth and clearing the air in the locker room.

Going by the comments under some of the San José online publications, Cheechoo was a definite fan favorite, and many are very sad to see him go. Michalek was extremely popular amongst the players in the dressing room, and by all accounts has a work ethic like no other. The word character has become somewhat of a cliché around these parts, but all indications are that these two guys simply ooze it.

Less than 2 weeks to go!

2009-08-30T13:58:00.006-04:00

I guess it's about time I got back on the saddle over here, with less than two weeks to go until training camp officially opens. It's been a long summer; one full of surprises and disappointments, but with any luck the ship will be righted in the next couple of weeks and we can start the 2009/10 campaign free from distraction.

I've avoided posting on the Dany Heatley ordeal all summer, partly because there's nothing I can say that hasn't been said already, and partly because anything I have to say on it is really just a personal attack on his character. What's the point? The level of arrogance and complete lack of respect towards the fans in Ottawa is mind-boggling. This is not a person I want my kids to look up to. I understand that its not all about role models and public relations, but at some point enough is enough. One day soon Heatley will be a ghost in Ottawa. His legacy will be that of a spoiled brat who, despite having his career and his image completely revived by the Senators and their fans, simply didn't care enough to stick around.

I'm not going to speculate what will happen with Heatley, either. Just like everyone else, I have no idea. Is San Jose making space? Is Edmonton the only legitimate option? Is Alex Tanguay's signing in Tampa going to kickstart the process? Who knows? I do remain confident though that Bryan Murray and company won't risk the backlash by keeping him around. I believe he'll be gone by September 12th. But I have been wrong before...

On to Alexei Kovalev. I can't say I was too thrilled on first hearing the news. True story: I was travelling with some friends and fellow Sens fans earlier this summer when one of them jokingly proposed that Murray should sign Kovalev, to which I expressed a rather strong disapproval. Not an hour later, the news broke that it had indeed happened.

My beef with Kovalev isn't anything new or unheard of. He is streaky. From all I've ever heard and read about him, he seems to be a me first sort of player, and I felt we had just been burned by the biggest of them all just a few weeks earlier, why bring on another, right?

That being said, he is an elite player. On of the most talented to play the game, ever. Despite his comments over the last week (which I do believe to be just those of a guy who was genuinely disappointed to be left out of the picture in a city he really loved), I think he can have an impact here. I hope that fans will cut the guy a break and not boo him out of town before he ever even laces up his skates.

The player I remain most excited about is Pascal LeClaire. I've been high on this guy since his rookie season (who hasn't, really) and I can't wait to see him in action. A LeClaire/ Elliott, 1-2 punch is something I think people should be stoked for. The last time we had two solid goalies playing for us (which is open for debate) was in 2005/06 with the Dominator and Rayzor tandem. Hopefully this one lasts past the Olympic break.

Despite summer coming to a quick and hasty close, this is the most exciting time of year for any hockey fan. Just think, In about 5 weeks, we'll be back in the full swing of things. New goalie, new coach, and a new chapter in the Sens history book.

Can't wait!!

Appreciation

2009-06-14T09:01:00.009-04:00

With last week's announcement of Dany Heatley's imminent departure, Senators fans find themselves once again at a giant crossroads. There are big questions looming: why is he doing this? where will he go? who will we get back? But as fans, these are all things we can't control. We'll likely never know what really happened. We'll never get to demand 'why?' or truly voice our disappointment. We just have to accept it and move on, knowing that all the money in the world and a loyal, loving fan base just wasn't enough for Dany. It's not the first time in the Senators short existence that a player has snubbed the fans... we'll be alright.

In light of all of this, I do believe some people in Ottawa should really take a hard look at what they value in a player. Perhaps it's time that once and for all, we stop taking our talented, committed players for granted. When players like Chris Phillips and Mike Fisher have off-nights (or even off-years), maybe we need to continue to support them and embrace them instead of calling for their heads on a stick. Chris Neil wants desperately to stay here, and can't for the life of him imagine why Heatley wants to leave.

And what about Jason Spezza? I can't remember any player ever taking heat like this guy takes on a regular basis. It seemed like last season, day in and day out Jason would step into the media mob and answer for why the team was so bad, how many giveaways he had committed, why he only had 3 points that night instead of 4, etc. etc. But that's just it. Guilty or not, he was there. He never backed away, never pointed fingers and never made excuses. If Spezza had ever tuned-in to the post-game shows, or worse, Over The Edge on the Team 1200, all he would have heard was caller upon caller just ripping him apart. The hosts are even harsher.

And yet, last summer, despite being at the center of any and all trade rumors involving the Senators, Spezza bought a new home in the heart of Westboro. That's right, Westboro. Not Kanata, not Rockliffe... Westboro. He moved in about three blocks from where I grew up. It is a neighborhood that has a great sense of community, comprised of young families and middle class folk. There are children everywhere and Elmdale Public School is a stone's throw from Spezza's house. There's no hiding there. When he's out mowing his lawn, he's in plain view of everyone around him. And what's more, unlike so many pro athletes, he spends his summers there as well. Ottawa isn't just where he works, it seems like more and more it's becoming his home.

Spezza is an extremely gifted and still a very young hockey player who carries a lot of the blame when things go badly around here. There is still so much room for him to grow; we've seen him do so year after year. And I think now more than ever, under the dark cloud that is Dany Heatley, we are seeing just how committed Spezza is, and always has been.

Next time you see his goofy smile on camera after a Sens loss, before you curse him out, remember that he's not the one who decided that the fans and the city meant nothing to him. Give this guy some love.

More Leaking Out

Another piece of the bizarre Dany Heatley saga is coming to light; not only was he unhappy with Cory Clouston's approach, but it seems that he felt the media's questioning of his play over the course of a terrible season was 'unfair'.

Here's my advice to you Dany: Take that $10M you earned last season, invest in something relatively low risk so that you can live comfortably off of it for the rest of your days and get out of professional sports altogether. You're in the wrong business. Do you really think playing in another market is going to change how the media handles you? Maybe you should try Edmonton, where the media already have a head start. Not surprisingly though, The Oilers are lower on your list of ideal destinations.

Maybe you should've paid more attention to the people in the arena who screamed your name every time you scored a goal. Or the kids who run around the school yards arguing over who gets to be 'Dany Heatley' while they play. You so badly wanted to be recognized as a hero here, but you already were. Lucky for those kids, all this selfishness and betrayal is too complicated for them to comprehend just yet.

Hopefully once your wish comes true, we'll get someone in return who understands what being an NHL player in Ottawa really means to it's public.

Say It Ain't So... The Heat Is Off?

2009-06-09T17:57:00.005-04:00

So, like many of you, I was completely caught off guard today when I heard the news that Ottawa Senators winger Dany Heatley had requested to be traded. Less than 2 years after signing a long term, big money contract here in Ottawa, the star sniper is unhappy and wants out. It comes as a huge blow to a team that seemed to be finally getting back on track after over a year of locker-room drama and disarray.

Stories suggest that Heatley and new coach Cory Clouston don't see eye to eye, but I'd say it's unfair to take that as the truth just yet. There could be any number of reasons, and I'm sure we'll never know the whole story. But like it or not, Heatley is as good as a ghost in Ottawa. Bring on the boo-birds, it's gonna be a nasty home-coming Dany.

As is customary on this blog, I will do my best to try to spin this in a positive light. Although some analysts and Internet lurkers will have you believe that this is in fact the end of the Sens altogether, I do believe this is a blessing in disguise. That is not to say that Heatley's presence won't be missed or that he isn't a spectacular player (though he is now officially dead to me), just that there is a bright side to dumping a yearly cap-hit of $7.5M.

Those who think Heatley will fetch next to nothing in return, I'd say you're dead wrong. Senators GM Bryan Murray did, after all, trade a struggling (that's an understatement) Antoine Vermette for a bonafide starting goaltender in Pascal LeClaire PLUS a second round pick. Heatley's 'displeasure' in Ottawa will hardly dissuade GMs from lining up to make an offer. Whether it be another elite player like Rick Nash or Vincent LeCavalier (as part of a package for the latter), a combination of picks and NHL players, or even a top 5 pick and prospects, there is a lot of potential for a big reward if you ask me. Despite my initial shock and disappointment, the future looks bright indeed.

One thing is for certain, whatever The Sens have been doing over the last 2 years, it hasn't been working. It's time to shake it up. I mean really shake it up. Will we miss number fifteen? Absolutely. He is a top-ten player in the NHL, no doubt about it. Is he replaceable? I guess only time will tell. But ask The Boston Bruins how much they miss Joe Thornton now that the dust has settled.

The bottom line is that I don't want to cheer for a guy who doesn't want to be here, win or lose. Despite some unfair media scrutiny, the fans in Ottawa embraced Heatley from day one, and this is just a giant slap in the face. If he was going to run when the going got tough, why not do it before signing that big fat 'promise to stay'? But hockey's hockey. Players come and go, and The Senators will recover from this. He has his reasons.

So long, Dominant Dany Heatley.

Dear Coach's Corner

2009-04-16T16:40:00.003-04:00

Probably the most heartfelt song about hockey you'll ever come across. Truly amazing.

Dear Ron MacLean. Dear Coach’s Corner. I’m writing in order for someone to explain to my niece the distinction between these mandatory pre-game group rites of submission and the rallies at Nuremburg. Specifically the function the ritual serves in conjunction with what everybody knows is in the end a kid’s game. I’m just appealing to your sense of fair play when I say she’s puzzled by the incessant pressure for her to not defy the collective will, and yellow ribboned lapels, as the soldiers inexplicably rappel down from the arena rafters (which, if not so insane, would be grounds for screaming laughter). Dear Ron MacLean, I wouldn’t bother with these questions if I didn’t sense some spiritual connection. We may not be the same but it’s not like we’re from different planets: we both love this game so much we can hardly fucking stand it. Alberta-born and prairie-raised. Seems like there ain’t a sheet of ice north of Fargo I ain’t played. From Penhold to the Gatineau, every fond memory of childhood that I know is somehow connected to the culture of this game. I can’t just let it go. But I guess it comes down to what kind of world you want to live in, and if diversity is disagreement, and disagreement is treason, well don’t be surprised if we find ourselves reaping a strange and bitter fruit that sad old man beside you keeps feeding to young minds as virtue. It takes a village to raise a child but just a flag to raze the children until they’re nothing more than ballast for fulfilling a madman’s dream of a paradise where complexity is reduced to black and white. How do I protect her from this cult of death?

-- Propagandhi

From the record Supporting Caste

(Smallman Records/ G7 Welcoming Committee)

What Now?

2009-04-04T20:13:00.004-04:00

So the playoff dream is dead. No surprises, but still a bummer. Ottawa couldn't catch up after a terrible start to the year, no matter how great they've played under new coach Cory Clouston.

So what's next? Will Bryan Murray remain as GM? Will Clouston sign on permanently? And what about the lingering free agents? Will Neil sign? What about Comrie?

I do believe Bryan Murray is still the man for the job. Despite some mistakes in the hiring of coaches (Craig Hartsburg has again shown class in his dismissal), I think he is building a solid team for the future. But no matter who is sitting in the GMs chair next October, Cory Clouston, to me, is a shoe in. He clicks with this team like Tom Petty clicks with the Heartbreakers.

As for Neil? There are arguments to both sides. If he really is insisting on $2.5 M/ season, it may simply be too rich for the Senators blood. That being said, it would be a darn shame to see Chris Neil walk this summer. He has been a Senator his entire career. He plays with grit and heart, he can score the odd goal and can fight anyone in the league. He's a fan favorite as well.

And Comrie? To be honest, I was really excited to see him come back in the trade that brought he and Chris Campoli to Ottawa for a 1st round pick and veteran 4th liner Dean McAmmond. But now I'm not so sure. It's not that I think that Comrie is a bad player by any means, it's more the play of other Senators that has slowly shifted my thinking on his place in the organization. Because of the play of young players like Ryan Shannon and Nick Foligno under the new system, secondary scoring is no longer a real issue. Mike Fisher has looked good on the second line as well. So where does that leave Comrie? Lately he's been centering the third line. Unless he's willing to take a pretty substantial pay-cut, I'm not sure it makes sense financially to keep him.

All this puts that trade even more under the microscope. Did Murray overpay for Campoli? He's never denied that he was essentially trading a 1st for Campoli, straight up (to many of the fans' displeasure). Comrie was a throw in... an afterthought. But watching the game this evening, wondering to myself if indeed Campoli is worth that 1st round pick, I looked up just as he made one of the nicest passes I've seen all year by a Sens defenceman, sending Chris Kelly on a break-away to make it 2-0. That was the stuff of a young Wade Redden.

Then there's the questions of Elliott and Auld, who stays and who goes? Will Spezza be dealt while he still can be? What will happen with Schubert? Will the sens be able to land Jay Bouwmeester?

There are still a lot of questions to be answered, but one thing is for sure. If the Sens can carry their play from the last 6 weeks into next year, their fans will once again have something to cheer about come Spring!

A Thread Of Hope

2009-03-18T16:38:00.003-04:00

Call it crazy, but I haven't completely given up on the Sens just yet. As long as it's still technically possible, I will believe they can make it into the playoffs, no matter how unlikely. If Keith Richards can still stand upright on his own, anything's possible. But that being said, I obviously won't be crushed if they don't. That feeling of complete devastation has come and gone. I've come to terms with it several times over in the last couple of months. And now that terrible feeling has been replaced by a sense of hope. A sense that there is new life in this team, and no matter how grim this season may seem, I believe they have finally started to turn things around.

Cory Clouston has gone 12-6-3 in his first 21 games with a team that had completely imploded. If that's not reason enough to sign the young coach to an extension, I'm not sure what is. Not only are they winning, but they are as exciting to watch as they've ever been! They are winning in shootouts, they are coming back from 2 and 3 goal deficits to win games... playoffs or not, this turnaround has been pretty unbelievable. The players seem to be enjoying themselves!

And how about Ryan Shannon?? He has quickly become one of my favorite players... right up there with Shean Don. He's got incredible speed (which has been lacking a bit on this team over the last few years, oddly enough) and his hockey sense is undeniable. He makes intelligent plays night in and night out. And for such a small guy, he's not afraid to go into the boards and get dirty. It amazes me that nobody's ever brought up the fact that he shares a number with Martin St. Louis, another small-frame player who was looked over early in his career. Coincidence? Or is MSL someone Shannon looks up to? I'd love to know.

Brendan Bell had the game of his life last night against the Buffalo Sabres, and I couldn't be happier. Last month when Bell was placed on waivers, I felt like it was a bit of a slap in the face to a guy who had totally surpassed any expectations this year with the big club. I know we have an abundance of D-Men, and that the reality is that someone is going to go, but Bell has been a pretty reliable player for the team all year. I was so stoked to see him finally get rewarded. I sure hope management was paying attention. Not only did he score 2 goals, he also just missed getting a third, and was the lone workhorse behind (and pretty much responsible for) Dany Heatley's goal, despite not getting an assist. Bell was outstanding last night.

There is hope. At the very least, there is hope that this team is headed in the right direction. Brian Elliott has been outstanding. Pascal LeClaire is on the way. The young kids are getting it done, and the big three are producing the way they used to. Add to that a decent draft pick and some young prospects getting closer, and I'd say things aren't as bad as they may seem.

Looking forward to what's to come!

So Long, Sweet Prince

2009-03-12T19:44:00.004-04:00

It finally happened... after years of neverending rumors and speculation, Antoine Vermette was dealt last week to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's almost relieving in a sense. It was inevitable, and at least now it's over with. Vermette was a well-respected player who was absolutely adored by the fans (this one included) and it's truly sad to see him go. And although he was having a rough year, he wasn't the only one, and it's sad to think that he alone took the fall. But such are professional sports.

All that being said, this is a move that absolutely had to be made. You simply cannot pass up an opportunity to lock down a #1 goalie. Especially in Ottawa, where goaltending has been an (the) issue for pretty much all of the franchise's existence. Add to that, a 2nd round pick...?!? Brian Murray flexed some serious veteran muscle on this one. I really thought Vermette might fetch a 2nd round pick alone, let alone that and a future superstar goalie.

I believe Pascal LeClaire is the real deal. There's a good chance that someday this trade will be looked upon in the same regard as the Luongo to Florida trade. When people talk about it, they will not only think it's crazy that an underachieving second line center was traded for an elite, franchise goaltender, but that the recipient of said goaltender also got a 2nd round draft pick. And while Leclaire does have issues with injury, which is definitely a concern, we'll just have to hope that his recent surgery on a bunk ankle was his last step towards a good stretch of health. But only time will tell.

So where does this leave rookie Brian Elliott? Better yet, what about Alex Auld? I love both these players, but I have a hard time believing the Sens will give up on Elliott. I suppose it's not out of the question that they start him in Binghamton next season to give him more playing time, but I do believe he has the chops to regularly play games and backup LeClaire. So that leaves Auld as the odd man out. Auld is a very competent backup at a decent price of $1M and 1 year left on his contract. I'm sure a few teams would love to have him, but that begs the question of what happens if Leclaire does indeed go down for another extended period? Elliott moves into the starter position, which may work out fine... but who backs him up? Jeff Glass? There are clearly still some tough decisions ahead for the Senators management.

I wish Vermette all the best. As I've stated several times in this blog, I will cheer for that kid wherever he goes, and everytime he sets foot in Scotiabank Place. But how much longer could this go on? Someone had to take the fall, and his inflated contract, tremendous potential and terribly unproductive season all added up to a no-brainer.

Brian Elliott Finished In Ottawa?

2009-03-02T18:15:00.005-05:00

Once again I feel compelled to call out the local Sports Media. After a stretch of shaky games lately, rookie goalie Brian Elliott is on the hot seat, as is customary for goaltenders in this town, and shoddy journalism is all but erasing his future here in Ottawa.

This team has been dying for a bonafide #1 goalie since it's humble beginnings. But as the cliché goes, goalies are a weird breed. Some get hot for a brief stretch in their careers, and then disappear (Martin Biron, Patrick Lalime). Others become great over time, having been passed on early in their careers (Tim Thomas, Dwayne Roloson). And some are just great (Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo). But one thing is for sure where goalies are concerned: the good ones are few and far between. These guys take time to develop and are virtually unpredictable as prospects. There's a good reason GMs don't like to draft them.

Despite some really poor play as of late, at times Elliott has shown great promise. I often wonder if folks forget that he has played only 16 games in the NHL. Calling him out the way Allen Panzeri does in his article in today's Ottawa Citizen seems like an over-dramatic and self serving ploy to sell some papers while burying a guy who's barely climbed out of the minors.

It's so frustrating to watch the press build up a young player as the potential 'savior' of our hockey club, only to squash him when he doesn't live up to completely unreasonable expectations. What's worse is that this is the first net minder in some time (drafted by the Sens no less), who actually may be worth holding onto. Enough already! Give this kid time!

To me the best thing right now might be to send Elliott down to Binghamton. Get him away from the circus and let him get back to winning games. Maybe he can even take the Baby Sens deep into the playoffs. Seems to me like that would be far more constructive than feeding him to the lazy journalists and fired up, fickle fans up here and risking ruining his confidence permanently. The playoffs are out of sight now. May as well get this kid away from a losing season.

I for one truly believe in Elliott. Or I at least believe in giving him a real shot, which to me lasts more than 6 weeks of a rookie season. I don't think he's the savior, or a future Hall-of-Famer, nor do I think Carey Price or Steve Mason are. Only time will with these young kids... But you've gotta give them said time before hanging them out to dry!

16 games is hardly enough to judge a young goalie, and as far as I'm concerned, whether he lost every one of those games or shut out the opposition for 960 straight minutes, he still needs time to develop his skills. No matter what Allen Panzeri or Pierre McGuire think, there is hope that Elliott can someday win us a game or two on the road to the cup!

Who's with me?!

Everyone Up In Arms

2009-02-20T20:09:00.008-05:00

I'm really surprised at how many Senators fans are completely beside themselves over Bryan Murray's move today, trading veteran centre Dean McAmmond and San Jose's 1st round pick to the New York Islanders for defensman Chris Campoli and centre Mike Comrie. Once again, people are calling for Murray's head on every blog and message board on the world wide web.

There's a number of ways to look at the trade, but call me crazy, any way you spin it Ottawa is looking pretty good going forward.

The biggest point of contention seems to be that he gave away that first pick in a year when we desperately need new, young players. But are we that desperate to rebuild that even a pick so late in the 1st round (it will likely be 29th or 30th) is a make or break for this franchise? I don't think that's the case at all. For starters, a draft pick is not a sure thing, and as history shows, many late 1st rounders never go on to have long NHL careers. Campoli is a bona fide NHLer, and a very young one with a lot of upside at that. He is signed into 2010 -- a steal at just over $600K -- at which point he'll still be an RFA.

Another argument is that we could have used that pick to pair up with our 1st round pick to move up in the draft. To me, this is a non-issue. Any team in a position to get a top 5 pick is pretty unlikely to give it up for a later pick + a much later pick. I don't think it would be as easy as many think it would to trade up for a really valuable pick. If we were only moving up a few spots, may as well just have kept the two, no?

With Filip Kuba being a pending UFA, my guess is that Compoli takes Kuba's spot. Compoli can play a similar role and at a fraction of the price. Then perhaps Kuba brings us back a 1st rounder (Murray has now set the bar for this type of player, keep that in mind). Then we're sitting pretty again with 2 first rounders, having replaced Kuba going forward in the process.

Then there's the Comrie/ McAmmond side. I hate to see McAmmond go, he's a really hard working player and a class act, but we all saw this coming. He's a pending UFA as well and Ottawa has a cluster of 3rd and 4th line players and re-signing McAmmond was unlikely. He had apparently asked for a trade anyway, and hopefully he'll get a bit more ice time over there. As for Comrie coming back, perhaps Murray signs Comrie to a reasonable contract and unloads Vermette or Kelly? One of those guys could bring back a fairly decent return at the deadline. If he can't sign Comrie over the next 2 weeks, unload him for an even better return.

What's even more interesting is that if Murray does indeed unload Kuba, he will be going into the offseason with Kuba, McAmmond and Gerber all off the books. A cool $7.6M freed up to make whatever moves necessary.

Murray is clearly not done, and I think these moves bode well for the future. At the end of the day, he traded Meszaros + McAmmond for Campoli, Picard, Comrie and Kuba. Not too shabby. And it may get even better. To all the naysayers, this man is proving his value as a clever and crafty GM -- again.

Three For The Road (Plus One Makes FOUR!)

2009-02-14T22:29:00.005-05:00

The Ottawa Senators are riding a season high (and that's an understatement) four game winning streak. Maybe more importantly is that three of those wins have been on the road. Cory Clouston has this team clicking like we haven't seen in well over a year. And just when it seemed as though their fire was starting to burn out a little bit (down 3-0, 15 minutes into the first period to the top rated defensive team in the NHL), they turned around and completely embarrassed the Minnesota Wild in a comeback never seen before at the Xcel Energy Center. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Wild at home.

Perhaps the most telling sign of things to come for the Sens came from the mouth of Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire in his post-game comments last night, as detailed in Bruce Garrioch's article in this morning's Ottawa Sun:

Since they got the new coach you can tell that team works harder. It's very obvious when you look at the games prior to the change. Their top players are playing well. They're not at their best. This will only get better.

For the first time in what seems like forever, this team is able to battle back against real adversity, which bodes well for a team that needs to win a near impossible amount of games to reach the post-season. Whatever is being said between periods in that dressing room is clearly registering.

Brian Elliott was yanked very earl in the first period, which may seem harsh, but I strongly believe Clouston is approaching the young goaltender in the best way possible. Elliott is very young and full of confidence. When a game is unravelling like that, better to get him out of there quickly and not risk it turning into a blowout and rattling his brain. Wash his hands of it quicky. Elliott has always rebounded very strongly after being pulled, going back to his Binghamton days, and I have a feeling Clouston has played a big role in that. Despite really good play at the beginning of the season in Bingo, Elliott was pulled on a few occasions under similar circumstances, and he just got better and better. He then went on to have an incredible run in December which is what (along with the situation going on here here) led to him being called up to the big club. I'm sure Clouston's handling of the situation played a large part in building his confidence.

Exciting times around here. Playoffs or not, the future looks good at the moment and Sens fans are finally getting some emotion back in their lives.

Yes... it was that bad.

Ottawa Sports "Journalism" Dips To New Low

2009-02-10T21:12:00.023-05:00

It's not unusual for this cat to get a tad riled up at the local sports media's persistent negativity and berating of the Ottawa Senators players. I'm not exactly sure why, but I tend to take it somewhat personally. As I've stated before on this blog, we came very, very close to losing our hockey team a few years ago, and no matter how bad things get on the ice, I can't imagine a frigid Ottawa winter without these games to look forward to.

Personally, I don't buy into the whole "that's why they make the big bucks" mentality. I want a team here to cheer for, not to vilify. I can't for the life of me understand those who just want to run all of our star players out of town. What is the point in that? Honestly, what do people get out of that?? And yet all morning I listened to furious fans completely rip apart one of the Sens star players.

It all started when Chris Stevenson published an article in this morning's Ottawa Sun claiming that there was some serious animosity brewing between Dany Heatley and his new coach, Cory Clouston. Stevenson, taking remarks made by both Clouston and Heatley totally out of context, blew the whole exchange completely out of proportion in order to make a story out of absolutely nothing.

He then followed it up with a guest appearance on Ottawa's angriest sports talk radio show, Over The Edge, during which he and co-host Lee Versage spent a full 3 hours calling Heatley out, putting words in both he and Clouston's mouths. Dozens of venomous callers and emailers took turns tearing the star winger apart - 'literally', as they say on OTE. It was relentless!

It's one thing for reporters and talk show hosts to criticize players day in and day out, but this was different. This was journalism at its worst. This was a total disregard for the truth, coming at a time when things were finally beginning to look up for the Sens.

Suspect? Absolutely. Complete laziness? You bet! Anyway... for those interested the truth, here's what actually went down:

Media scrum question:

Cory says he doesn't think your game is where it's usually at or where it should probably be at. He thinks maybe you're pressing too much. Is that fair?

Heatley's response:

No. I don't feel that way right now. I think I'm just trying to shoot the puck. I've had some good chances, like I said, last game, and it's kind of funny. The way I go, if a goal goes in and you play horribly, you guys all say everything is great and if you play well and the puck doesn't go in, you're playing bad, so ... I'm just going to keep trying to shoot the puck and eventually they'll go in.

For starters, Clouston repeatedly said that Heatley is no different than anyone else on the team. "He's not where we want him to be and neither is the whole team in general. He's not different (...) Again, it's only been two or three practices. It's coming." But they weren’t interested in exploring that avenue. As far as the radio boys were concerned, Heatley had been singled out, publicly embarrassed and taken to task by the new coach, resulting in his smug, arrogant rebuttal.

But the smallest bit of common sense could lead a reasonable person to the following conclusion:

The last part of the question was "He thinks maybe you're pressing too much. Is that fair?" To which Heatley replies "No. I don't feel that way right now. I think I'm just trying to shoot the puck. I've had some good chances, like I said, last game, and it's kind of funny. The way I go, if a goal goes in and you play horribly, you guys all say everything is great and if you play well and the puck doesn't go in, you're playing bad, so... I'm just going to keep trying to shoot the puck and eventually they'll go in."

And there you have it. End of story. He's not saying anything about Clouston's assessment of his adjustment to the new system or anything like that at all... he's merely saying "No, the problem is not that I'm pressing too hard".

But there was no such common sense or reason this morning. Instead, half of Ottawa was sent into a frenzy, demanding that Heatley be traded, benched, demoted or better yet, sent to the minors. Caller after caller, emailer after emailer spread their hate for the big #15: "This guy has absolutely no class...", “I never liked him and never understood why he was named an assistant captain…”, "He's the cancer in the locker room that needs to be removed...", and so on and so forth.

Nothing like stretching the truth for a good story, eh Chris?

**Blogger's note: Apparently The Sun has issued an "update" on the matter. What a classy bunch.

New Coach, New System, New Lease On Life?

2009-02-09T19:06:00.009-05:00

Well, it's only been 3 games, but the Ottawa Senators look like a completely different team under interim coach Cory Clouston. You've gotta feel sorry for Craig Hartsburg who was relieved of his duties after only 48 games, but I think it was clear to him and everyone else that something had to change. I'd also add that his press farewell to the fans was one of the classiest exits by any professional I've ever witnessed... up there with John McCain last November (as crazy as I thought that old man was, he sure was gracious on his way out).

Anyway, the Sens seem to be back to playing an exciting brand of high octane, offensive hockey. As the old saying goes: better late than never. For the first time in a long, long time Saturday night, the Sens skated off the ice after a game without risk of the home-town fans hissing at them like rabid monkeys. They played with passion and fire, and despite a playoff birth being next to impossible, the fans finally have something to cheer about.

So what's next?

I think it's safe to say that the changes won't end at the coaching level... some of these guys will go and the clock is ticking around Scotiabank Place. The pending UFAs are obviously the most talked about... Chris Neil, Filip Kuba and Dean McAmmond all have value going into the trade deadline and all could be lost for nothing come July 1st.

Neil: If he has any foresight at all, Murray will sign him to an extension. Trading him won't get more than a 2nd round pick in return, and there is no one on this team who can replace a Chris Neil. There is no doubt that teams will come knocking (never underestimate the value in a player like this, especially in the playoffs), but I really think he needs to stay put.

Kuba: He may actually attract a healthy return. Kuba is a very good player, and a valuable asset in that he is a fairly responsible, fairly offensive D man. He is far from a liability on the ice and he puts up decent numbers as well. The problem is that he will be looking for more money than Ottawa can afford to pay him next season, and the return he could bring is likely too much to turn down.

McAmmond: I love this player. He's had a great (albeit modest) run here in Ottawa and has always been a reliable utility guy. The fact of the matter is that Ottawa has too many 3rd and 4th line players and they need to make room for some of their young talent. Deaner will be missed, though. He's a speedy guy who plays with heart, and would be a great addition to any team looking to make a run. He has a fair amount of playoff experience as well. This is the kind of guy that fans will applaud each time he returns to SBP with another team... just a class act.

While on the subject of class, the folks over at The 6th Sens have started a petition in an effort to get the Sens to go back to their old jerseys. Take one minute out of your day and help restore some tradition around here! If you think it won't work, they have gone back to playing the old theme song at the arena! Victory!

PS -- According to the Healthy Scratches show on the Team 1200, Cory Clouston is a huge KISS and IRON MAIDEN fan. How awesome is that?! Seriously.

The First Step Is Admitting There's A Problem

2009-02-01T19:47:00.011-05:00

It's becoming more and more clear now that that hopeful little run going into the All-Star break was nothing more than a tease... a cruel joke. The writing's on the wall: my foolish, blind faith has gotten the better of me once again.

I genuinely believed back in 1997 that the Senators would pull off a major upset and beat the Sabres in game 7. Even moreso, I believed the following year that they would make it all the way to the finals after they took out the superior Devils in the first round. I believed through all the heartbreaks at the hands of the Leafs. In 2003 I believed they would come back against all odds and beat New Jersey in the conference finals (which they almost did), and I sure as hell believed they would beat the Ducks 2 years ago. Hell, I even believed they would beat the Peguins last year down 3 games to 0. There was no doubt in my mind!

But let's be honest here. The Sens haven't won more than two games in a row all season. For every exciting, inspired game they've played, there has been a string of boring, lacklustre snoozers. Whether it's the players, the coach, the GM or some sort of friggin' curse, something is wrong here and nothing's going to change until it's fixed.

At the risk of denouncing everything I've preached in this blog to date (remaining positive, never giving up, believing), I must admit that today, for maybe the first time ever, I lost all hope in the Senators. I no longer believe. I have given up on the season. This ship has sailed and no last minute resurgence can save this miserable campaign.

The star players look tired and disinterested half the time, and when they do look like the players we know and love, everyone else seems to vanish. There are guys with full time jobs on the Sens who'd have a hard time finding employment with half the teams in the ECHL, and those warriors who've been leaned on in years past seem like ghosts of their former selves. And then there's the goaltending....

So what's next for the Senators? The fire-sale everyone's been begging for all season? Vermette, Kelly, Schubert, Kuba, Smith, Picard, Lee, Ruutu, McAmmond, Neil, Auld... These are all players who could be available come trade deadline. Then there's the unmentionables: Phillips, Fisher, Spezza, Heatley. It would appear as though Alfredsson, Elliott and perhaps Volchenkov are the only guys who won't be up for grabs, if you believe the rumor blogs and columns. Even Shean Donovan of all people has been mentioned as of late. Go figure! The guy makes less than most Bingos and plays with as much heart as any player can... why on EARTH would you let him go?!

And what about the coach? Where does his responsibility lie in this mess. Sure he wasn't around when this thing went sour, but his promises of accountability and structure have amounted to absolutely nothing.

Better yet, what about the GM? He's the one who, for the second year in a row, hired a coach who apparently cannot get through to his players.

The only thing that's for certain now is that something's gotta give. All season long fans in Ottawa have been waiting patiently for the big trade around the corner. But that trade never came. The fact is, it's too late. No trade will save this season. No coach, no GM, not even a miracle.

As much as it pains me to say it, I give up.

Awful

2009-01-30T21:27:00.003-05:00

Just Awful. There were two good players on the ice tonight, and those were the goaltenders. But neither really had much work. Terrible game on all accounts, from the performace to the effort to the officiating. One of the worst I've ever seen.

But make no mistake about it, the only ones at fault for the result tonight were the Ottawa Senators. Their chances are running out.

On a side note, how many games have the Sens been shut out this season?!

Fisher, Regin and Elliott Shine In St Louis

2009-01-29T22:54:00.004-05:00

Despite another embarrassing 'between periods' segment displaying Mike Fisher's bizarre obsession with hunting, he was the shining star of the game tonight. He was all over the puck and was rewarded with a beautiful goal in the first period after a hard fought shift. He got two on the night with a well deserved empty-netter as well.

It seems as though Fisher and Antoine Vermette are quickly returning to form, and it couldn't have come soon enough. If this team stands any chance of pushing for the unthinkable, they need everything these two have.

Peter Regin had the game winner tonight with his first NHL goal on a nifty play around the net. So far this kid looks pretty dang good. He's no Jason Spezza (some may say that's a good thing... tisk tisk), but he's been close to perfect on the face off and has looked very comfortable playing as a reliable two way forward.

Brian Elliott was very solid tonight and deserves another pat on the back for keeping his team in a game that at times they didn't look very good in.

Great to see other guys chipping in and pucks staying out. Something to build on!

They Did It!!!

2009-01-20T22:02:00.003-05:00

Just caught the tail end of the game this evening as I had a prior engagement with Ricky, Julian and Bubbles. Funny stuff! But it would appear as though I missed another great game.

What a finish! That's all I have to say... they are not giving up and it's truly inspiring. I hope that the week off will only build confidence as they sit on a really good week of hockey. Starting with the game vs Carolina last week this team seems to have turned a page.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

I've Never Met A Habs Fan That I Liked

2009-01-17T22:58:00.013-05:00

I don't know why I continue to go to Sens/Habs games in Ottawa. I inevitably wind up full of rage and have to bite my tongue to avoid picking fights with half the arena. And that's saying a lot, because I have neither the personality or the physique to be scrapping in the aisles at Scotiabank Place.

May seem like sour grapes, but I've felt the same every time I've seen these two play, win or lose. The fact is this: going into a foreign arena and booing the home-team's captain is just plain obnoxious. Absolutely no class. The na-na-good-bye song and soccer chants during the first five minutes of the game? Assinine. Congratulations... you beat a struggling, bottom dwelling team in a shootout. Now go burn down a city.

Ok, now that that's out of my system...

Unfortunately, my last post didn't take into consideration the possibility of Ottawa walking away with one point tonight. And I can't for the life of me decide if all hope is lost or not. It's not looking good, but I guess the door hasn't been totally slammed shut yet, either.

I will say this: they played with fire tonight. Despite the heartbreaking loss and several glaring mistakes, miscues and turnovers, the boys never gave up. They hit hard, they fought back and continue to play like a team on a mission. I for one would take a season's worth of games like the one I watched tonight any day of the week over the current popluar vote; to tank the rest of the season in an attempt to land a top pick.

The boys should be proud of their effort tonight. In the words of the great Tom Petty, they went down swingin!

Fork In The Road

2009-01-16T18:14:00.010-05:00

Just as the 2008/09 season seemed to flutter away before our very eyes, a change in goal and two quick victories has, for some, offered a glimmer of hope.

Rookie netminder Brian Elliott has looked pretty dang good in his first three starts, and although I hate to label him the savior of the Sens (the last thing we need to do is find a way to ruin yet another goalie), so far he's looked like a very solid, confident goaltender. Unlike my good friend over at Black Aces, I do genuinely feel badly for Martin Gerber. He never quite lived up to his billing as a big ticket #1 goalie, but he also never made a fuss about being benched, demoted or even now that he's been sent to the minors to ride the buses. But the fact remains that in three years, he had about 20 really good games. I sincerely hope that he finds a team that suits him better and can at least go out with some dignity.

But more importantly than (although perhaps directly resulting from) the goalie situation is the play of the team as a whole over the last two games. I know it's only two games, but we'll take what we can get... am I right? They've looked like a team on a mission. Finally, finally we've seen back-to-back solid and inspired performances out of these guys, and with any luck we'll get a third tomorrow evening against the Montreal Canadiens.

I hate to give any game the all important label of make-or-break, but I think it's pretty safe to say that this is it. If the boys can come out strong again tomorrow and do the seemingly impossible - winning their third game in succession - then maybe, just maybe there is hope. But if they come out and lay another stinker on home ice tomorrow night, then it was all for nothing.

It would take one hell of a magical comeback for Ottawa to make it into the postseason this year, but crazier things have happened. And I for one can already imagine how sweet that moment would be.

For the fans in Ottawa who are quickly learning how spoiled we've been these past 11 years, a comeback of that magnitude would be as exciting as Steve Duschesnes glorious goal which sent us to the playoffs for the first time in modern franchise history back in '97. Dare I even compare it to Alfredsson's overtime goal against the Sabres in 2007?

But if there is any hope... any reason to dream at all, then tomorrow's game simply must end in a Senators victory. And if and when it does, that glimmer of hope will be just a little more believable.

Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

2008-12-30T23:07:00.007-05:00

What's there to say about the Sens these days that hasn't already been said? The offense is underachieving beyond comprehension and the defense is immobile and thin. The only thing new to report on is that goaltending is an issue once again. Alex Auld has been far from great in his last few outings and Gerber has been Gerber, making heart-stopping saves one minute and letting in goals from the opposing blue line the next. The team often looks like they are playing without any emotion and it's becoming harder and harder to justify spening the $50+ to go see a game at an arena that is 25 minutes out of town, with no bus service and a $15 parking fee.

In light of the 2008/09 season flashing before our very eyes, let's take a moment to evaluate some of the inherent questions that will be looming over the next several weeks and into the trade deadline. So without further delay, should he stay or should he go?

Jason Spezza: Everyone knows the deal... come July 1st, this guy is locked up in a deal that makes him unmovable until the 2014/15 season. It's now or never. Of the big three (or four if you include Mike Fisher), Spezza is the only one who can be traded without having to waive a no trade clause (for that reason, Heatley, Alfredsson and Fisher have been left out of this excercise; it's a moot point). If there is any indication that this team will be overhauled in the next weeks/ months, look for Spezza to go.

Antoine Vermette: Always loved this kid and was super stoked to have him locked up for the next two years, but at some point all sides need to be realistic. He has so much promise, but just won't take the next step. Unfortunately, his value is at an all time low right now. If we lose him it may be for nothing. And knowing the ways of the Hockey Gods, this little french speedster will light it the second he lands somewhere else. Good on him, I will always cheer for this kid.

Chris Neil: UFA come July 1st. He'll be looking for a raise, because, well... that's what hockey players do. If there is no intention of keeping him around, it may be wise to swap him for a 2nd rounder come trade deadline (that is, if we're indeed selling by then). If he'll extend for similar money, we should keep him. He's taken a lot of heat ever since his flashes of offense disappeared last season, but he is a warrior and the only guy who can drop'em regularly. He certainly isn't a liability out there like many like-minded players around the NHL.

Chris Kelly: 1 down, 3 to go in his new big dollar contract. He, like everyone else on the team is having an off year. Great penalty killer and 2-way forward, but not sure if anyone'd be interested at this point. If you can lump him in in another trade, it may be worth looking into to make cap room.

Nick Foligno: Hopefully he will develop into the player we're all hoping for. I'd hate to see him continue to tease, the way Vermette has throughout his career. But I'd give him more time, for sure.

Shean Donovan: Absolutely not. Dude makes $600K/ year into next season. He's one of the hardest working guys night in and night out.

Dean McAmmond: Another seriously hard working and dependable guy. Also a UFA next season and unlikely to be resigned because of the clutter of 3rd and 4th liners on the team. But not sure what teams would offer, although he does have good playoff experience. Either way, much respect for the Deaner.

Jason Smith: I personally like this guy a lot and think it's tragic that we may not get to see a playoff run out of him this season. At $2.5M for a seasoned veteran defenseman, what's be the point in dealing him? It's not like we have anyone to fill his spot.

Filip Kuba: Another UFA come July 1st. Not quite sure what to make of Kuba yet. He's got a lot of points and god knows we need a guy like that, but he's going to be up for a big raise (which his point production most certainly will command), and at some point it may be worth it to use that money toward landing a younger defenseman with more upside. That being said, it may be worth it to keep him around as well.

Chris Phillips: If you've listened to Over The Edge on the Team 1200 over the past few days (as I do on a daily basis for sheer comedic value), it seems like Phillips has been the latest target of harsh criticism and defamation. If it weren't for that silly little show, he wouldn't even have made this list. It's a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. Never.

Anton Volchenkov: Why on earth would anyone get rid of this guy. He is a monster and a warrior, all at once. He bleeds heart all over the ice with every blocked shot.

Brian Lee: The answer to our mobile defenseman needs? Not quite. Not yet, anyway. But his value is probably low having spent most of the season in Bingo. That may be a good thing though... I feel like this kid will blossom one day, and we may be very glad that he was untradeable. I'd hang onto him for now.

Craig Hartsburg: Although the rumor mill started twirling earlier today throughout the city, I do think Hartsburg deserves a fair shot. At least let him finish off the season. How anyone can blame the coach for what's going on is beyond me. This all started long before he came onto the scene. He inherited a disaster and I truly feel badly for the guy.

Bryan Murray: I've been a supporter since day one. But if Hartsburg does indeed get the axe, Murray should be right beside him. At some point he's got to take responsibility for what's going on. I'm not saying he should be fired, because I believe he can build this team into a legitimate contender again. What I am saying is that he's in no position to fire a coach. He needs to do something to show fans that he's still in this game. Firing the coach might just be the tell tale sign that he's completely lost control and is panicking to save his own behind.

All that being said, great game tonight and a much, much needed win. For the first time in ages, the Sens controlled a game for 60 full minutes. Everyone was in synch and on top of that, it was EXCITING!

If only they could bottle that kind of effort.

Call Me Sentimental

2008-12-18T20:56:00.012-05:00

Darren Brown - Sun Media

As far as the Senators are concerned, I am pretty much the eternal optimist. I ignore those who say things are irreparable... I try to dwell on the positives, even when there are so few to be found. What's the point in following a hockey team if all it does is get you pissed off?

But it's not always easy. While watching from ice level at Tuesday's game vs the Thrashers, it was damn near impossible. Had I actually paid for my ticket, I may have joined the thousands of people rushing the doors after only two periods of hockey. But instead, I cheered louder. I took great satisfaction in bellowing out "Don't give up!" with three minutes to go in a 3-0 game. Part of me believed in what I was saying, but mainly I was just taking a jab at the angry people piling out of the arena, cursing their (ex) team.

Optimist or not, the current state of the team does not sit well with me by any stretch of the imagination. I lose sleep over this stuff. My work suffers. I obsess all day and night over what's gone wrong with this team over the last twelve months.

This morning, as I walked to work and mulled over the real possibility that, for the first time in over a decade, the Sens may very well not reach the post season, I passed by a bunch of newspaper boxes. Glaring out at me from one of the frozen boxes was the above photograph.

Sometimes I forget just how much of an impact the players have on the people in this community off the ice. Looking at the sheer joy in this little guy's face reminds me of how lucky we are to even have a team... even when we're losing.

I often wish I could tap into the mindset of the young kids like Benjamin Delaney here. He probably doesn't whine about how much Mike Fisher makes or whether or not to trade Jason Spezza and blow up the team. He probably just wants to watch hockey and cheer for these hockey players he looks up to so much. The rest doesn't matter in the end. The numbers, the stats, the dollars... meaningless.

We came close a few years ago to losing our team forever. If we were to lose this team, days like the one photographed above would be gone, and that would be far more tragic than any lost hockey game.

Call me sentimental, but it's always so refreshing to have things put into perspective once in a while.

Since Nothing's Happening In The Real World...

2008-12-11T18:53:00.019-05:00

I read an interesting article the other day over at The Hockey News regarding the Florida Panthers. In what some may deem a proposition from out of left field (considering the current state of that team), John Grigg explained why now, more than ever, the Panthers need to trade their star goaltender Tomas Vokoun.

His point was simply that the Panthers aren't going to win any time soon, and he's right. I know it, you know it and they know it. But he goes on to point out that they do have some hope of building around a few of their younger players. They are also about to unload their only other (semi) bonafide star in Jay Bouwmeester. So why not trade Vokoun now (who is earning $5.5M this year and is slated to make $5.7M and $6.3M over the following two seasons before becoming a UFA) for a package of picks and prospects, and really invest in the future. Not to mention that Craig Anderson has been on a roll lately and has been starting most games for the Panthers, making Martin Gerber's $3.7M 'backup' salary pale in comparison to Vokoun's.

This scenario could really bode well for the Senators, if indeed they are serious about acquiring the services of Mr. Bouwmeester. How does Vokoun tie into this? (And before anyone goes to town on me, I'm merely suggesting this as an interesting idea... not as a rumor or even a remote possibility). Well here goes...

To Ottawa: Bouwmeester

To Florida: Vermette, Lee, San Jose's 1st aaaand Gerber

THEN

To Colorado: Vokoun

To Florida: Leopold, prospect, a 1st and a 2nd

This trade is a win-win-win deal. Call me crazy.

Ottawa would get their highly coveted mobile defenseman and would unload Gerber's salary in the process.

Colorado have reportedly been trying to move Leopold for several months now and would get a much, much needed goaltender (an elite one at that) in return.

Despite losing two enormous assets, I think Florida actually comes out on top in this deal. Look at how pretty they'd be sitting come the draft. They'd have three 1st round picks, 2 of which would be very high (their own and Colorado's), as well as a 2nd rounder and whatever young buck the Avs could offer. They'd get Leopold and the up-and-coming Lee to help fill the void left in Bouwmeester's absence, Vermette who is a great defensive forward and penalty killer (and a favorite of Florida GM Jacques Martin) and Gerber who is a very adequate backup at $2M less than Vokoun, but more importantly, a UFA come July.

All said and done, Florida would save $1.362M in cap space. They'd have both Vermette and Lee into 2009/10 as well, and would ultimately be left with over $6.5M in spending money next season.

If Florida is ready to start building for real, let's get some balls rolling!

Lines, Lines, Everywhere a Lines

2008-12-10T18:38:00.007-05:00

Alright.

The lines.

For anyone's who's frequented this blog since it's inception a few months ago, I've made no secret of my feelings towards the lines (in particular, one line). At the risk of beating a dead horse, I still don't quite get the hesitancy to just put Fisher back with Ruutu and Neil. Forget about the idea that Fisher's contract means that he needs to be a second line center... just think of it as two second lines if you really need to. What's the difference? As it stands, nobody's making headlines on the second line anyway (except for Shean Don who just keeps surprising everybody with his ridiculous commitment to hard work), so why not just try it out for one night?

You'd have Fisher, Ruutu and Neil as line "2A" and then Kelly centering Vermette and Donovan as line "2B". Split the ice time between both lines evenly. On one hand you'd have a genuine powerhouse trio akin to late 70's Motorhead just plowing through opponents, and on the other hand you'd have a feisty, speedy line who are responsible defensively and can fly up and down the ice like it's nobody's business. Round it out with a fourth line of Bass (McAmmond if he ever kicks his cold) centering Foligno and Winchester.

As simple and logical as it all seems, I'm not sure I'll ever get my wish.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind

Do this, don't do that

can't you read the sign?

An Evaluation

2008-11-29T13:16:00.019-05:00

Bryan Murray seems to be taking a lot of heat lately, so I figure this is as good a time as any to evaluate some of the moves he's made as GM of the Ottawa Senators so far this season. I am very pro Murray, so be forewarned. But I'll try and be completely unbiased in my assessment so as to avoid the whirlwind of negativity that inherently accompanies any sort of positive spin on Ottawa's hockey club.

1. Bought out the remainder of G Ray Emery's contract. I for one think that this move benefited both parties. Ray had lost the fans in this city and seemingly all of his confidence as well. He is faring quite well over in Russia with a record of 11-4-0, a GAA of 2.02 and a 0.932 save percentage and I have little doubt that he will return to the NHL in the future and regain his status as a top tier goaltender. (**Check out his partner in Vitaly Kolesnik with his record of 10-1-5, 1.46 GAA and 0.944 save percentage).

2. Allowed D Wade Redden to go to free agency, and consequently sign with the New York Rangers to a 6 year, $39M contract. Although Wade has been an enormous part of this team since he was a teenager, his play over the last two years did not earn him that contract. I, more than most, would have loved to have him back, and am in no way ignorant to the fact that his departure significantly hurts our team. But that being said, signing him to that kind of contract would only have crippled this organization for years to come. Just ask the Rangers in a year or two.

3. Signed RW Shean Donovan to a 2 year, $1.2M extension. Donovan was easily one of the hardest working Senators in last year's playoff disaster, and he's continued to show other players on this team what hard work is all about, game in and game out. Worth every penny (and then some).

4. Signed UFA G Alex Auld to a 2 year, $2M contract. Auld quickly and surprisingly (well....) took over the starting goalie position and has been without a doubt this team's best player.

5. Signed UFA LW Jarkko Ruutu to a 3 year, $3.9M contract. Not always a fan of the pests, I was a little unnerved at this signing at first. However, if anyone had yet to be convinced of this guy before last week's trouncing of the New York Rangers, he pretty much single handedly won that game. He essentially manipulated the Rangers into beating themselves.

6. Signed RFA C Antoine Vermette to a 2 year, $5.5M extension. I was stoked at the time because I've always believed (and still do) that this guy will bloom at any moment. But I do think that he has been given every opportunity and more to succeed this season and has come up short every time. He may have backed himself into a corner now. His lack of production and hefty raise are quickly propping open the door. Unfortunately for Murray, those factors are also making any potential for a valued return weaker and weaker.

7. Signed C Chris Kelly to a 4 year, $8.5M extension. Although he's not producing points right now, and certainly hasn't been anything to write home about, I don't think many GMs around the league would ever see this as a bad signing. A Penalty Killing specialist and an incredibly responsible player in the defensive zone, Kelly quietly earns his paycheck. It wouldn't hurt to have him put the puck in the net a little more though.

8. Traded RFA D Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning for D Filip Kuba, D Alexandre Picard and San Jose's first round pick in the 2009 entry draft. After what had turned into a bitter contract negotiation, followed by some bizarre circumstances regarding an offer sheet, Meszaros was shipped to Tampa and immediately signed to a 6 year contract worth $24M. This trade was a HOME RUN. Meszaros currently has 0G and 6A for 6 points and is a -2. He is also playing for a team that may or may not physically and literally implode before season's end. Kuba, on the other hand, has 1G and 14A for 15 points and is a + 4. Picard has 2G and 6A for 8 points and is even. Together this season they make $3.75M. Picard is signed into next season as well at $850K. And nevermind that there is a 1st round draft pick in there as well. Who won that trade?? Do the math.

While there have been other signings, trades, draftings and even roster moves to speak of (not to mention the hiring of head coach Craig Hartsburg and extension of Sir Alfredsson), I'll leave it at that for now. For all the heat this guy's taking, and believe me, I feel the frustration at times too, I hope this goes to show that there are also many pluses to Bryan Murray. He has been in the business for a long time and has built many, many contending teams. There is no doubt in my mind that we are watching him build the team that will bring home a Stanley Cup.

Yes. I said it...

"These Guys Are Living In A Nightmare..."

2008-11-21T16:45:00.010-05:00

In a great guest appearance this afternoon on The Team 1200's "Healthy Scratches" show, the always pleasant Gary Galley made some very refreshing points regarding the state of the Sens.

It's so easy for us as fans to think that the players don't care... that they're cashing their big checks and just going through the motions on the ice... mailing it in as the cliché goes. That they leave it all at the rink when they go home to their beautiful wives, their big mansions and their flashy cars.

But I've always wondered... is that it? Do they really not care? If I as a fan am so devastated after every single loss, how is it possible that these guys can just brush it off? This is their entire life, isn't it??

Galley insisted that in his experience, players don't just go home and forget about how bad things are going at work. It's with them at the dinner table, when they turn on the TV, when they wake up in the morning... it's a feeling that's with them every second of every day. "These guys are living in a nightmare right now and they're trying to wake up!".

Gotta love the Galley. Always SO positive and insightful. He uses his experience as a former NHL defenceman to help shed light on issues for the fans, never to condescend or put himself above them. I sincerely hope that he goes far in what he does, whether it be broadcasting or coaching. You can never have enough positive dudes around!

Why, oh Why?

2008-11-19T18:01:00.010-05:00

More and more leaked photos and mock-ups of the alleged Senators third jersey are making their way around the hockey blogosphere. The reaction has been pretty much unanimous... Awful. I have not read one single positive thing about this jersey.

This team has so much potential where jerseys are concerned... they've historically had some of the best and classiest jerseys in the NHL, but dating back to the implementation of the 3D logo, they just seem to be getting worse and worse.

I'm not normally one to harp on the negatives where this team is concerned... I leave that to the morning shows and the so-called journalists in this town. But why does the Senators organization continue to ignore their fans? People have been pleading since first mention of a third jersey last summer to go back to an old school theme. There was even a petition going around to push for this to make the final cut, but it obviously fell on deaf ears. With so many great third jerseys being unveiled around the league right now, it'll be such a shame if this is ours.

First they changed the theme song at the arena, now they've gone with a jersey that nobody seems to like... if the Sens aren't careful, it's not their poor play that will alienate fans, it's their unwillingness to hear us out!

Where To Begin?

2008-11-16T12:23:00.007-05:00

I honestly have no idea. I am dumbfounded. So instead of whining about the team, the players or even the fans, let's just discuss the possibilities.

1. The team finally starts to come together over the next few weeks, the top line starts scoring without Alfie, Hartsburg looks like a genius. While it may seem far fetched, this is essentially what happened 2 years ago (minus the splitting of the big guns). I've said it over and over again, there is a top level team underneath this big mess.

2. Spezza: Everyone and their mother in Ottawa is preaching that he be traded these days. It is a move that, unless it brings back a future hall-of-famer at a steal of a price for the next 7 years, this organization will REGRET. What's out there? Remember, if we deal our #1 center, we need a #1 center in return, period.

3. Vermette: This is a little more realistic, but his underachievement so far may bring back far less than the player he should be. We all know Jacques Martin loves Vermette, and Jacques has control over the highly coveted Jay Bouwmeester, who may very well be the missing piece this team needs. But it will take far more than Vermette to make that deal.

4. Fisher: Well, he's got a no movement clause in his contract, so unless he wants out, ain't nothing doing. Besides, I strongly believe that Fisher is worth his $4.2M cap hit... contrary to poplular opinion around here.

5. Philips: There's that nasty little rumor going around that Columbus has been interested in the Big Rig. Well, he has a NTC as well, and has played his whole career in a Sens uniform. Besides, he is paid FAR too little for Ottawa to give him up. Unless Columbus has enough faith in rookie goalie Steve Mason to give up Pascal LeClaire, I'd say Phillips is staying put.

6. Then there's the Picard, Lee, Foligno, Neil, etc. trade bait. Not sure how much interest they will garner towards a healthy return.

What ever happened to the rumors involving the Blackhawks young stud D-Man Cam Barker? I really feel like he may be another answer to our puck moving problem. His cap hit is just over $2.4M, far lower than Bouwmeester's, and he will be an RFA come July. Chicago had him in the minors to begin the season because of cap issues, so it seems as though there's some room for discussion there, no?

One way or another, something's gotta give pretty soon. Change can be exciting.

Sometimes.

Apologies all around

2008-11-14T18:16:00.008-05:00

Dear John Paddock, Ray Emery, Wade Redden, & Martin Gerber,

I would like to sincerely apologize to all of you on behalf of the Ottawa Senators fans in this city. You all, at various stages last season and even into this season, have taken the blame for the ongoing corrosion of the hockey club here in Ottawa, and in most cases were completely run out of town (or will be soon enough). It is clear now, more than ever, that the problem was (and continues to be) far greater than any one man.

I am one who thinks that boo-ing your own team is complete and total sacrilege. I think it’s the worst thing fans can do, and is the tell-tale sign of a fickle, fairweather fan. Support your team, through thick and thin. Period.

But last night, as I sat in those stands, for the first time ever I sincerely had to bite my tongue. I wanted to scream at them. I wanted to flip a table and ask them if they even care one BIT. If they care that 19 000 people were BOOING them because they had just spent a day’s salary (or more in some cases) to go support their team and got an absolute NO SHOW. Every single player in red last night short of the goalie played a terrible, uninspired game.

This team is in serious trouble. I’m not going to pretend like I have any idea what the solution is. I’m at a total loss. Where’s the character we were promised?

All that being said, I did not boo. I love this team, and will not turn my back on them. There is an extremely talented team here underneath this big mess, and when the inevitable turnaround finally arrives, whether it's next week or next year, I will be there.

Wardrobe

2008-11-07T23:38:00.006-05:00

Hey, Peter Laviolette... KILLER OUTFIT tonight. Who's with me???

Unfortunately, nothing else regarding tonight's game vs. the Carolina Hurricanes was even remotely funny. What is it about Martin Gerber that makes this team play poorly? It makes absolutely no sense. It's not like he was terrible tonight... I thought he was pretty good for the most part. But as we've seen in the past, a totally different Senators team shows up when he's between the pipes. It's mind-boggling.

Silenced!

2008-11-04T22:09:00.007-05:00

With any luck, tonight's outstanding performance by Mike Fisher will shut a lot of people up here in Ottawa. It shouldn't take goals and assists to prove this guy's value, but unfortunately, so many fans and journalists in this city just can't seem to get past that $6M paycheck. Big money means big points or else!

Hogwash.

Fisher outshined very other player on the ice tonight (excluding perhaps the two goaltenders). This guy plays with more heart, night in and night out, than any player I've seen. Points or no points, he earns every penny that he makes. And for the last time, despite how it's structured, the guy makes $4.2M/ season. If people are so hell-bent on using the $6M figure, wait till five years from now when the cap is somewhere around $200M and he's making a basement bargain $3M.

NO MORE TRADE TALK!! STOP THE MADNESS!!

Traditions are Slipping

2008-10-30T19:31:00.013-04:00

First it was the classic Black and White jerseys. Then it was the two dimensional logo (arguably the best in the NHL - seen directly to your right). Slowly but surely, the Ottawa Sentaors organization has replaced pure class with some sort of attempt at being hip and modern.

Help fight the fight led by our friends over at Black Aces to Bring Back The Sens Theme Song!! For those of you who get out to games from time to time, this is the music that plays as the Sens skate onto the ice, both before the game and before each subsequent period. The lights go out and there is a pulsing beat blasting throughout the arena. It is a noise that fans have become accustomed to over the years, and now it has been replaced by some absolutely irritating Modern Rock song.

As one of Black Aces' readers notes, you can email the Sens directly to voice your opinion:

Contact Glen at gowerg@ottawasenators.com and tell him how you feel!

A Giant Big Ol’ Knock On Wood

2008-10-28T17:54:00.010-04:00

Could this be history in the re-making?

The 2006-07 Ottawa Senators had an eerily similar start to their season as the current team is having. Both came off disappointing playoff runs (albeit somewhat different circumstances), both vowed redemption throughout the off-season and both opened up the season with less than stellar results.

On November 18th, 2006, the underachieving Senators (7-11-1) hosted the red hot Buffalo Sabres (15-3-1). The Sens had been under the gun for weeks and fans were calling for blood. Everyone from Wade Redden to Mike Fisher (sound familiar?) to Alfie, yes, his majesty himself, was fair game. Head Coach Bryan Murray was on the hottest seat of all. His reassurances and pleas for patience from the lynching fans were growing tired.

The Sens came out flying that night, playing like a team that was absolutely possessed and beat the Sabres 4-1. This win not only energized the team, it was the turning point that sent them on an unbelievable tear (41-14-8) through the remainder of the regular season. What followed that, we need not discuss.

Those less superstitious than myself might argue that last night’s mauling of the Sabres may be nothing more than just an amusing coincidence. But one thing is for sure: it was one hell of a showing. They delivered in every department. There were fights, goals scored, goals saved and even high fives! If they continue to put forth an effort like that every night, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the East. A force that no one saw coming.

Is Anybody Listening...?

2008-10-27T19:30:00.029-04:00

Heatley-Spezza-Alfie

Vermette-Kelly-Foligno

Ruutu-Fisher-Neil

Donovan-McAmmond-Winchester

Phillips-Volchenkov

Smith-Kuba

Schubert-Picard/Richardson

Why isn't this happening? These line combinations have it all:

-The big 3 stay together. We all know what they're capable of.

-The second line should be able to start adding secondary scoring, especially with Vermette and Kelly’s established chemistry coupled with Foligno’s energy.

-When the second line can’t score, you have a third line that can absolutely kill. See the Blood Red entry entitled The Line Of All Lines.

-The 4th line is more than capable of chipping in offensively too, which was made clear Saturday evening. You just have to put them on the ice from time to time!

Placing Winchester on the fourth line gives him room to grow. Despite his age, he is a rookie in this league. Throwing him on the top line was a good experiment, but let’s ease up on the expectations already.

This also keeps Schubert happy and eliminates the rotating healthy scratches on offence. You can have Richardson and Picard rotating to give the latter an opportunity to adjust and learn.

I feel like I'm taking CRAZY pills over here!

Shean Don

2008-10-25T15:14:00.007-04:00

I remember sitting around last June, waiting anxiously to hear the news that one of my newest favorites had been re-signed. To me, it was a no-brainer. Shean Donovan was one of the only dudes who showed up in the playoffs last season. PLUS, at his relatively small price tag, why the hell wouldn't you sign him?

In the weeks and days leading up to free agency, more and more stories were coming out indicating that he wasn't going to be signed. He wanted 2 years and GM Bryan Murray wouldn't budge. I couldn't for the life of me make sense of it. What's another year at 7, 800K?? Why was Murray so hell bent against it?

It might seem like a lot of emotion invested in a fourth line winger who plays under 10 minutes a game. The thing is, over the years, we've seen so many Senators teams deliver completely lacklustre, emotionless playoff performances. It's always been guys like Shean Don and Steve Martins before him who've come into the lineup and completely outshined our stars during those series'. Their play always makes me think of the hosers from Slap Shot. It's not always pretty, but there's just so much passion and focus behind it that you just can't criticize any lack of production. When a guy like this is in your sights, and wants to be here for near nothing, why let him walk away?

To my delight, he did indeed sign his 2 year contract. And call it what you will, Murray squeezed every last penny out of the deal; another smart play by the veteran GM.

Fast Forward to today. On a team that finds itself struggling to play with any intensity or emotion, Shean Donovan sees about 5 to 6 minutes of ice time per game (when not sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch). Even in his limited role, he has 3 points and is a + 3. The guy has earned the respect of a lot of fans over the last 6 or 8 months, myself maybe topping the list, but still can't seem to prove his value to the organization.

I'm not suggesting putting him with the top line, or even the second. just PLAY the guy once in a while. Let him run around and create some much needed energy. He can't hurt your team any more than the sleepwalks we've witnessed as of late can.

The Line Of All Lines

2008-10-24T17:34:00.017-04:00

You know those events that happen once, maybe twice in a lifetime? The ones that become stamped in your mind forever. You know the type: you remember exactly where you were, who broke the news to you, even what you were wearing at the time. 9/11, Princess Diana, JFK (for those who lived it) all come to mind.

This was one of those events.

Several weeks ago, I was away traveling when I first heard the news: Mike Fisher would be centering Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Neil on an all new, devastating line from Hell (or Heaven, as the case may be).

My jaw dropped. I blurted out the news to anyone who would listen. The reaction in the room was unanimous… genius! An absolutely brilliant move by the new coach who had been advocating team toughness and grit since his arrival. Craig Hartsburg was legit!

This line had it all: a hard-nosed work ethic, toughness, agitation, and even a touch of scoring. Who in their right mind would want to line up against these three? It was the ultimate grinder line. Cry me a river about how Fisher needs to play on the second or first line because of his salary. It shouldn’t and doesn’t matter. He is the single best third line center in the NHL, and earns every penny he makes. Putting him on a gritty energy line does not, by any means, mean he is less valuable than a second or first line forward! Just ask one of the many GMs who were lining up to snag Ryan Malone last July; guys like these win playoff series’. They are invaluable!

Inexplicably, when the regular season rolled around, the line was not only dismantled, but completely forgotten. Fisher now jumps between the first and second lines, and is struggling. Ruutu is on the third line and doing what he does best, regardless of who’s around, and Neil has since dropped to the fourth line. Also struggling.

For a split second there in the preseason, the Senators seemed to instill a bit of fear in the opposition for the first time in their short history. A new back end with the addition of Jason Smith and Filip Kuba, a new coach who demanded intensity and accountability and a team that was only a few months removed from complete and utter failure, and who were still seething at the embarrassment.

A line of Fisher, Ruutu and Neil would re-ignite that fear in the opposition. We could look at them as our other top line… a line of absolute terror.